‘Mother ship’ cruise designs unveiled

New architectural designs have been unveiled for a ‘mother ship’ concept that could revolutionise the cruise industry.

The plans, which were revealed by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) this week, introduce the idea of giant ships with the capacity to launch fleets of smaller vessels.

The structural design of the mother ships was the work of Tillberg Design AB, which also created the QE2, the Independence of the Seas, Crystal Serenity and a number of Disney ships.

Fredrik Johannson, the firm’s senior architect, said: ‘The new generation ferries and cruise ships will have a distinct identity throughout – from the exterior and interior design through to the on-board activities, food concepts and shore excursions.

‘They are aimed at the next generation of youthful, design-savvy and environmentally conscious passenger who we now see entering the market.’

The PSA recently released its annual report, which showed that more cruises were purchased last year for between £500 and £1,000 than in any other price bracket.

Some 2m people are expected to be embark on cruise holidays every year by 2012.